Review: The Wildhearts - Diagnosis EP (2019)

Genre - Hard Rock

Label - Graphite Records

Track listing:

01. Diagnosis

02. God Damn

03. A Song About Drinking

04. The First Time

05. That's My Girl

06 LOCAC

Earlier this year the mighty Wildhearts made a triumphant comeback, after a decade away from the studio, with what is already proving to be one of the best album releases of 2019, Renaissance Men. This EP's lead track Diagnosis, is taken from that aforementioned album, and to be honest was one of the albums strongest and dare I say immediate tracks, definitely one of my favourites anyway. with its slow intro of great melodic riff and guitar feedback, before bursting into life with its venomous lyrical dissection of the medical professions attitude to mental health. A truly great song that has a lyrical theme close to my heart. Next up we have God Damn, the first of five new tracks recorded especially for this EP's release. God Damn slams itself into life with a great riff before the rather melodic vocals kick in for the verse, which feature CJ's vocals rather high in the mix, bringing to mind Wildhearts Must Be Destroyed era. The song packs so much attitude and aggression yet remains melodic but heavy) before going off on some great riff journeys ala the Wildhearts of the old days. A great song that should be a bloody blast live. Next up we have a song with a rather self explanatory title, in A Song About Drinking. This tracks opens with some blistering drums from Rich Battersby. A fast paced punk blast that only really slows down for the chorus. Brilliant. Next up we have The First Time. A great and rather typical Wildhearts track, possibly destined to be a classic where Ginger and co are celebrating their Renaissance and new lease of life. A heavy but melodic track that only the Wildhearts know how to deliver! That's My Girl follows, another punk infused rocker, that I can see Danny having heavy involvement in. A great song that brings to mind songs like Dancin' some of the more rock n roll leaning tracks. Would have made a great Yo Yos or Main Gains track too! Simple yet effective. Great fun song that pays tribute to someone girl!  The EP closes out with LOCAC, Now this track would have been right at home on the Wildhearts divisive and controversial Endless Nameless album or even one of Gingers Mutation projects albums. A great song, full of aggressive vocals and guitar riffs. 

This EP really does manage to showcase almost every side of the band, with each track reflecting something just a little different, yet the Wildhearts classic sound holding it all together seamlessly.

A great EP and together with Renaissance Men welcome additions to one of the worlds most underrated bands catalogue proving there is still life in this band even after all of these years!

God Bless The Wildhearts!

Buy IT!!!!!!!

Rating: 10/10

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